We continue our commonly asked questions series with questions on insurance, lenses and the issue of whether or not if your parents had cataracts that can increase the likelihood of you getting them.
Are Cataract lenses tax-deductible?
FSA and HSA accounts can be used to cover the costs of cataract surgery and upgraded lenses in a tax-advantaged manner. If you do not have those, depending on your tax bracket and personal income, medical expenses may qualify for tax deductibility. We recommend you speak with your tax advisor.
Is cataract surgery covered by insurance?
Generally, cataract surgery is covered by medical insurance. Check with your physician’s billing office to get an estimate of copay, deductible, facility fee, anesthesia cost, and upgrade fees prior to surgery.
What cataract surgery does Medicare cover?
Medicare and medical insurances cover cataract surgery and anesthesia, but you may still have copay and deductible. Further, they do not cover upgraded lens implants to get out of glasses, i.e., they only cover basic lens implants, following which you will in general need bifocals or progressive glasses.
Are cataracts hereditary?
Congenital cataracts can indeed be hereditary. Most cataracts, however, are age-related.
Are cataract lenses prescription lenses?
Your doctor typically has access to a library of intraocular lenses. Based on your eye measurements, eye health, lifestyle, and joint decision making on your visual goals, your doctor will choose the intraocular lens that is best for you and your eyes and lifestyle.
